Enugu, 26 August 2026 — Women’s meaningful participation in traditional governance took another step forward as Women Empowerment Education and Peace Building Initiative (WEPBI) convened a Policy Co Creation and Validation Workshop on Women’s Statutory Representation in Traditional Cabinets.
The workshop brought together traditional rulers, women serving in traditional cabinets, government representatives, civil society organisations, media representatives and other key stakeholders to review and validate a proposed policy framework aimed at strengthening women’s representation in traditional leadership and decision making.
In her opening remarks, WEPBI’s Executive Director, Ijeoma Joy Oguadimma, stressed the importance of creating clear and sustainable pathways for women to participate meaningfully in traditional governance.
The workshop was facilitated by Barr. Nnenna Anozie, Founder and Executive Director of the Nnenna Anozie Foundation (NAF), who led participants through discussions on women’s representation and the need for stronger support for women in leadership.
During his goodwill message, His Imperial Majesty, Igwe Sir Samuel Ikechukwu Asadu (Igwe Ogadagidi 1) expressed his support for women’s inclusion, sharing that two women currently serve as cabinet members in his community. He also emphasised the need to raise, support and invest in women to enable them to take up leadership opportunities and contribute effectively to community development.
The engagement provided stakeholders with an opportunity to review the proposed policy, share recommendations and agree on practical steps towards strengthening women’s representation in traditional cabinets. The workshop concluded with stakeholders signing a commitment document to support the advancement of women’s meaningful participation in traditional leadership.
The activity was organised under the Renewed Women’s Voice and Leadership Nigeria (RWVL N) Project, fully funded by Global Affairs Canada, supported by ActionAid Nigeria, and implemented by WEPBI.
A seat at the table is not just about being present. It is about having a voice, being heard and being part of the decisions that shape our communities.